With the Budget next week, 12pc of househunters are hoping for a further raising of the stamp duty threshold to help them fund their new home.

Paul Fegan, the bank's chief operating officer, said: "The UK housing market appears to be remaining more buoyant than some in the industry have been indicating.

"House prices are continuing to rise, giving those homeowners who want to capitalise on the growing value of their home by moving up the property ladder, the confidence to do so.

"This confidence must be strengthened by the fact the nine out of ten people feel assured of their job security and promotions and pay rises are continuing to influence one in ten decisions to move."

The survey also revealed that local newspapers are still the first option when it comes to people searching for a new home with 30pc using this avenue. But one in five people are also using the services of the Internet and tapping into websites for property information.

Mr Fegan added: "Our findings show housebuyers are reassessing their mortgage needs to take advantage of the increasing number of more flexible mortgages becoming available and the current low interest rates, while they last.

"Twenty per cent of homeowners are considering swopping to a mortgage which would allow them to pay it off early."